A Short History of Hickory Grove Methodist
Church South
1844— -1935
DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
DURHAM, N. C.
Form 934— 2 OM— 7-35
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A SHORT HISTORY
OF
HICKORY GRQV5
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHl^RCH
SOUTH
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A SHORT HISTORY
OF
HICKORY GROVE
METHODIST
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH,
I8M1.
SOUTH
-.1935
BY
Alpheus Alexander Kyles , P. C.
Miss Martha Anne Elizabeth Baker
Mrs . Laura C « Hagler
Miss Lila Mae Dulin
Mrs, J. L. Carter
March 17, 1935-
HICKORY GRi
(a Rural c:
Ef iscoi
Western No
Cha
li
Dedicii
E iCETHCDIST CHTRCH
rch of the Methodist
1 Church, South,
h Carolina Conference,
Dtte District)
lilt 1927
3d March 17, 1935.
I , I f '
r.(^reT7ord
The information contained in this article
was collected by Miss Martha Anne Elizabeth
Baker (with the assistance of Mrs, J. L, Carter),
Mrs, Laura C. Hagler, and Miss Lila Mae Dulin*
The material v/as hurriedly assembled by the pastor.
Reverend Alpheus Alexander Kyles , for distribution
at the dedicatory service March 17, 19^, at three
o'clock.
Those who prepared this article make no claim
of completeness or perfection either in content
or composition, but present it, with its many im-
perfections, to the members and friends of Hickory
Grove Church, with the hope that they may be in-
spired to accomplish even greater things than have
been accomplished in the past.
With sincere appreciation to every one who
aided in the collecting and assembling of the
material contained herein, and with a sincere
prayer that the church may continue to grow and
glow and go, this article is dedicated to the
past, present and future members and friends of
Hickory Grove Church.
A. A. Kyles, P. C.
Miss Martha Anne E. Baker
Mrs. Laui^ C. Hagler
Miss Lila Mae Dulin.
P6404
A SHORT HISTORY
OF
HICKORY GROVE METHODIST CHURCH
IShh - 19^
Early History
Hickory Grove Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, has survived almost one century, has
v;ithstood many changes and has made much pro-
gress. Early in the year 181411 the Reverend
John Abernathy laid a small but solid founda-
tion for the Church of John Vfesley at a point
about one mile south of the present location
of Hickory Grove Methodist Church. At that
time Sugaw Creek Presbyterian, Rockjr River
Presbyterian, Back Creek A.R.P., and Sardis
A.R.P. v/ere the only churches in this terri-
tory. Anyone could attend these churches, but
there vjas no burying ground for outsiders; so,
a group of './esley followers decided to buy a
plot of ground for burial and to put up a small
meeting house. The land, containing one and one
quarter ( It;) acres and twenty- seven poles (2?),
was given by John G. Max^vell, through the in-
fluence of his wife Peggy, in consideration "Cf
the good will and affection of the religious
society, for the advancem.ent and prosperity of
the cause of religion." It Y;as deeded on
Nov. 21, 18[(1| to Jas, H. Martin, Robert A.
Martin, Cyrus Query, Jas. Clark, and Jas. H.
ICprrison as trustees. Thus Methodism in Crab
Orchard Township had its beginning and the
church v;as called Prospect. A fevi persons
referred to it as Scarboro Church.
Description of First Church
The first church was built in I8J4B and
dedicated to service the same year. The ori-
ginal building was of logs daubed with mud, v;as
P64047
about 16 X 2h feet, and faced the present road
y)68 , the course of which has not been changed-
The door 7;as in the center front and the pulpit
was in the opposite side. There were four
benches on either side of the aisle leading to
the pulpit and three benches in each Amen Corner.
These benches viere made of slabs v/ith pegged legs
and spaced far enough apart for one to kneel in
prayer. The Rostrum was raised one step from the
floor and the pulpit consisted of tivo posts v;ith
a board nailed across the top for the Bible.
There v/as a lean-to or shed on the entire left
side of the building, for the negroes, which was
separated from the main body of the church by a
rail. There was a window back of the pulpit and
one on the right between the Amen Corner and the
front seats.
Charter Members
Incomplete records reveal the follov;ing
names of some of the charter members: John
Newell and wife Hailey Taylor, Joseph Taylor
and wife Polly, Allison Teeter and wife Dorcas,
George Jordan and wife Evaline, Addison Taylor
and wife Lovie , John Tally and wife Susan, Rob.
Roberts and wife Betsy, "iTilliam Carter and wife
llary (also his second wife Jane), John Taylor
and wife Mary Anne, David Newell and wife Becky,
and '.Villiam Taylor and wife Esther. Some of the
Recruits (Pres., Bapt., etc.) v/ere Mrs. Priscilla
Keenan, Miss Nancy Keenan, Mrs. D. IT. Hucks, Mrs.
Sarah Max^vell, Miss Betsy Taylor, Miss Cenie
Taylor, Miss Susan Ford and Mrs. Eliza Furr.
Sunday School & Class Meetings
The Sunday School v/as of two divisions;
the Bible classes and the Blue Back Speller.
Mrs. Sarah Maxwell taught the Ladies' Bible
Class. ".Tilliam Carter taught the Men's Bible
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class. Anyone v;ho would taught the speller.
irTilliam Carter and Allison Teeter v.?ere class
leaders and held prayer meeting every Sunday
which lasted all day and into the night if the
weather permitted. Cn his return from the "".Tar
Between the States, in the year I865 , lYilliam
J. Taylor taught a Sunday School class. Since
that time, the church has had a regular Sabbath
School .
Appointments and Pastors
The preacher in charge met v/ith the con-
gregation about once in eight vieeVs , very seldom
on Sunday. Four preachers served at Prospect —
the Reverends Messers Tally, Harrison, May and
Farrar. Rev. Mr. Harrison ^7as a builder of
churches and has one named in his honor below
Pineville. The Reverend Mr. May married a local
v^ridov;, Mrs. Jane Harrison Max';7ell, (a daughter
of Rev. I.Ir. Harrison), and Rov. Mr. Farrar
(grandfather of Marion Farrar) married Miss
tkry Harrison, a sister of Mrs. May.
Protracted Meetings and Brush Arbors
Protracted meetings v:ere held under a brush
arbor on the grounds and split logs strewed on
the ground served for benches. At this time,
18lj.8-1658, the preacher lived in Charlotte. Dur-
ing the meeting he stayed among the members or
v/ith relatives. The first arbor was constructed
of posts set up in the ground with poles across
the top v/hich were covered v;ith leafy limbs.
These arbors were built anew each year for the
meeting. The v/orshipers gathered for sunrise
prayer service at the call of a bugle; using
SGats made of logs split in half, the flat side
up and each of the under sides s;ioothed off and
supported by logs placed on the ground. The
pulpit was erected of four posts at one end of
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the arbor on the rostrum v/hich v/as elevated
in order that the preacher and a fev; song
leaders might be seen by everyone present.
Securing of Land For Second Church
The old original church. Prospect,
occupied a very desirable location in the
woods about one mile south of the present
church site; however, due to the incon-
venience of obtaining drinlcing v;ater the
members decided to buy the present location
with access to a spring. On Aug-* 18, 1858
three acres of land belonging to John M,
Johnston v/ere bought for sixty dollars and
the deed was made to ".j'illiam Carter, John
Neuell, llartin Alexander, \lm. G. Hodges,
and Tfilliam Maxwell as trastees of "The New
Methodist Church called Prospect" and wit-
nessed by the public school teacher J. F.
Stancill. Viihen the church was built, more
land v;as needed for burying and hitching
ground. On May 3^, I860 four more acres
of land v/ere bought from I.Ir. Johnston for
forty dollars, v.dth access to the spring at
all times, and this tract was deeded to John
Newell, Joseph Taylor, and Vjilliam Taylor as
trustees. On February 28, 1871 nine and one-
half more acres were bought from this same
Mr. Johnston and wife M. Catherine for 027 •50
and deeded to Vj". F. Cuthbertson, and others
as trustees, v/itnessed by E. A. Osborne.
Church Rebuilt 1858 - Name Changed
In the year I858 a new church was built
(the second church) near a good spring lo-
cated in a large hickory grove about one mile
north of the original site. The fact that
the church v/as surrounded by a large hickory
grove v/as the factor advanced by T^ Hartin
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Alexander for changing the name to Hickory
Grove. Mr. Alexander v;as a member of the
Board of Stexvards at that time and v;as asso-
ciated with Randolph Baker, Calvin Foard,
John Newell, William Smith, John, ".Tilliam J.
and Harvey S. Taylor in the building of the
first church on the present site. Eventually
the old Prospect Church v;as sold to Randolph
Baker and v;as used for a barn on the old
Maxwell place. The land surrounding the old
church was bought by Jno . G. Jordan with the
exception of the graveyard.
First Church on Present Site
The first church building erected on the
present site v;as a frame building about t'-venty-
four by thirty-six feet, having one door facing
the road and one on each side of the church,
with the pulpit built on a small platform at
the north end. Night services vvere held by
candlelight for several years, the candle later
being replaced by kerosene lamps.
Camp Meetings and Arbors
The church membership grev/ rapidly from
this time. The members decided to erect an
arbor for outdoor vjorship and to have what Vi/as
termed "Camp Meeting." This was a period of a
vjeek or ten days set aside for special v;orship
and evangelistic services, during v;hich time
members and their families v/ho lived some dis-
tance from the church camped in tents near the
church and joined in xvorship with those vjho
lived near. The day began v;ith a sunrise prayer
service before breakfast, followed by four ser-
vices during the day, closing at night about
bedtime ( 10 o'clock ?). Children \7ere usually
denied thg privilege of attending evening ser-
vice, being put to bed, soon after supper.
before the last service "began.
The camp meetings continued yearly.
They were first held the latter part of
September, afterwards being changed to the,
fourth Sunday in August when J. M. Davis
was pastor, due to the fact that the members
were farmers and August v/as a more leisure
period. L'lany of the families living at a
distance eventually put up a more permanent
type of "camp" by erecting a long, low cabin
of logs, using the ground for a floor, Vi/hich
was covered with good, clean straw or sawdust,
and having built-in burJcs and other types of
fixtures which vvere needed. Separate rooms
vjere sometimes set apart, or divided, by hang-
ing quilts or sheets from the overhead joists.
Camp lieeting v/as a great time in the
life of our forefathers at Hickory Grove.
Saturday preceding the fourth Sunday in
August was moving day for the families vjho
lived at a distance. Folks loaded much of
their furniture on v;agons , rounded up plenty
of old and young chickens, and with a couple
of big, fine hams, plenty of vegetables and
canned goods, cakes and pies already baked
for Sunday, and a cord of v;ood, they were
ready and anxious to praise the Lord for his
many blessings since they had last tended to-
gether.
During the year 1885 a more permanent
type of arbor was built for the Camp Meeting
services, which wr.s much larger than previous
ones t This arbor ;vas built of heavy oak tim*
bers, set up on stones for pillars, support-
ing a high shingle roof, and with mortised
braces which fastened with wooden pegs at all
corners. A large rostrum was erected at the
north end of the arbor to accommodate the
pulpit and a choir of fifty persons. Four
large aisles ran the full length of the "build-
ing. A broad aisle viith a spacious entrance
at each side extended across the entire front
of the pulpit. Large, broad boards savjed from
gum lumber and with a back rest v;ere used for
seats. The arbor vjas usually Gro^vded during
the week and especially on Sundays. People
came from great distances. Sometimes as many
as eight or ten preachers would be present to
help conduct services.
This arbor vias erected under the direction
of Vfilliam J. Taylor and vjas designed by Cicero
McLellan. Houston Taylor, assisted by Harvey
Taylor, cut and sav/ed the majority of the ma-
terial used in the construction of the building.
The T/ork of constructing the arbor v;as done by
Lee Dulin, James Noles, Pink Berryhill, and
others. One of the tents v/hich v/as occupied by
some of the preachers, and v;as called "The
Preachers' Tent", still stands on the grounds
and is nov/ used for a barn.
Rebuilding Church 1898 - I9OO
The church v-'hich v;a3 built during the year
I858 , vjith some changes and improvements, was
used until 1898. During the years 1898, 1899,
and 1900 a new church r;as under construction
ivith Mr. Robt. Sehorn acting as secretary-
treasurer. The new church (third building)
was about forty by sixty feet, having a vesti-
bule entrance facing the high^vay (south), ^7ith
the pulpit in the north end. One small room
\'.'as built in each end of the vestibule entrance
and used for Sunday School rooms. Some years
later a belfry v/as added to the southwest corner
of the building. This church was the last frame
building and was occupied until February 27, 1927
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HJILDING OF PRESENT CHURCH
In 1926 the congregation realized the
great need of a ne\7 and larger church. Under
the influence of the pastor, Reverend J. P.
Morris, the congregation decided to construct
a nevi/ building. There was much discussion as
to the type of building and the kind of ma-
terial to be used. Some of the most fonvard-
looking men pictured for their community a
giant stone building which 7/ould stand through
the centuries. These men were dreamers, but
not dreamers only. With faith and courage
they set out to make their dreams come true by
digging and hauling rock from a nearby quarry.
Getting Materials
Actual ?;ork began January 26, 1926, -i':hen
Hugh Jordan, Zeb Teeter, De;7itt Barley, Raymond
Hagler, Ivjurry and Allen Russell, and Grier
Barley began cutting timbers to be used in the
ground vjork. The first tree v;as felled by
Ra\rmond Hagler and Murry Russell, while J.D.
Pence and Graham C. Taylor got out the first
stone. The first lumber vjas placed on the
ground by Joe Jordan and Raymond Hagler on
Feb rue. ry 12, 1926. On August 10, I926 , E. N.
King hauled the first load of rock to the
church site. On February 1,5, 1926, fourteen
men with teams and v/agons hauled 133 loads of
rock and some saw-logs. After hauling rocks
for several v;eeks , the men, being unfamiliar
with stone v;ork, thought there was enough
material to build the church. After looking
over the plans for the building and the rocks
on the ground, the contractor said there was
hardly half enough.
J. D. Fence Refuses to Quit
Many of the members were ready to give
up the idea of building a stone church. One
man, however, stood as steadfast as the stones
v/hich he had been struggling to secure. That
man v/as J. D. Pence, vjho v;as the oldest male
member of the church. He continued v/orking
day after day, often alone battling 'vvith the
rugged rocks, until he had removed 90 loads of
rock from another quarry near his home. Faith
of men like J. D. Fence kept alive the spark of
hope in the hearts of the faithful fev; v/ho were
trying to carry on. But there were still scores
of church membors v/ho held themselves aloof and
said, "It can't be done," There v;ere a few op-
timistic souls Y/ho v;ore willing to undertake the
seemingly impossible task. On February 10, 1927*
sand and other materials were delivered on the
grounds. The contractor began working on the
foundation by laying the first rock on May ht
1927. On August 3, 1927, the stone work stood
complete and ready for the roof and other v;ork.
Laying of Corner Stone
July 2l|, 1927, vjas a history-making day for
the church of Hickory Grove. At 11:00 o'clock
the pastor. Reverend J. P. Morris, delivered a
message on the appropriate text, Nehemiah i;:6,
"So built we the \7all, and all the v/all vjas
joined together unto the half thereof; for the
people had a mind to work." At 2:30 P.M. the
Presiding Elder, Dr. D. M. Litaker, presided
at the third quarterly conference. At 3^00 P.M.
Bishop Edvjin D. Mouzon delivered an address for
the laying of the corner stone for the nev/
church. The following articles Mere placed in
the corner stone: The Holy Bible, the Discipline
of 1926, a copy of the last edition of the North
Carolina Christian Advocate, a list of all the
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present offical members of the church, a list
of the building committee, the name of the
Bishop, Elder, and Pastor, together with a
short sketch of the historical facts of
Methodism of the community. The Bible v/as
donated by a nine year old boy, Nelson Cline,
son of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Cline, and it v;as
placed in the corner stone by the pastor of
the church. Reverend J. P. Morris. The Presid-
ing Elder, Dr. D. M. Litakor and the folloviing
former pastors and their v;ives v;ere present on
this occasion; Reverend C. Excell Rozelle and
v;ife, Ebenezer Myers and wife, W. S. Cherry and
wife, and W. L. llicholson and F. Fincher.
First Service Hold in Basement
On Sunday, June 2k, 1928, the first ser-
vice v/as held in the Sunday School auditorium
in the basement of the church. The Sunday
School Assembly room in the basement V7as filled
to overf lovjing , and 225 enrolled members and
visitors attended the Sunday School classes*
The congregation opened the service by singing
"Praise God From Tfliom All Blessings Flow,"
accompanied by Miss Elva May Chris tenbury at
the piano. J. D. Pence had charge of Sunday
School. D. H. Tifilson lead the first prayer.
The pastor, Reverend J. P. Morris, took his
text from Psalm 127:1, "Except the Lord build
the house, they labor in vain that- build it."
Church services were held in the Sunday School
auditorium for several months, the main audi-
torium not having been completed. Next in
order 7;as the completing and furnishing of the
twelve Sunday School rooms. One of the most
important rooms v/as the nursery where infants
and small children are kept during church hours
Mrs. J. L. Carter has been superintendent of
the nursery since it v;as organized.
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Comp 1 e t i n of -'.ia in Au i j t o r iujtn
Vfork v;as begun on the main auditorium
of the church April 7» 1930» under the leader-
ship of Reverend Elzie Myers, xvho succeeded
in getting the indebtedness up to that time
paid, completing the v/ork in the basement,
and in fitting up tv/o class rooms on the main
floor. The work v;as under the direction of
Mr. L. L. Litaker, r;ho succeeded Mr. J. IJ.
Cline, the first foreman. Mr. Cline died
suddenly September 22, 1929, while dressing
for church. The main auditorium was com-
pleted May 23, 1930. The seats and other
fixtures were placed ready for service July
18, 1930* on vjhich date Rev. Elzie lilyers
presided at a short service. Misses Eunice
Carter and Reecio Foard sang, "Oh, How I
Love Jesus," folloxved by a prayer which vjas
led by Mr. J. D. Pence. The pastor. Rev.
Elzie Myers, delivered the first regular
sermon in the main auditorium on July 27,
1930, using as a text. Psalm 122:1, "I was
glad when thoy said unto me, let us go into
the house of the Lord." He was assisted in
this service by Rev. G. N. Dulin, of Canton,
N. C, v;ho was a member of Hickory Grove
Church until he became a member of the
Western ITorth Carolina Conference in 1927.
Elzie Myers did a great work on the church.
Memorial Service
Sunday, August 28, 1930, at 3:00 P.M.
a memorial service v;as conducted by Dr.
Walter W. Feele, pastor of First Methodist
Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. The names
of the members v;ho had died since v/ork on the
nev/ church v;as begun were read. The audi-
torium and tv/o class rooms vjere full. Many
stood in the front door and vestibule. Dr.
Peele was assisted by the following ministers:
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Reverend J. G. Huggin, Matthev/s Methodist
Church, Reverend J. 0. Enrin, Spencer
Memorial, Charlotte, North Carolina, Rev.
W. L. Sherrill, Secretary of the Western
North Carolina Conference, and Reverend
G. N. Dulin, Canton, North Carolina. The
Abernathy quartette of Rocky River Presby-
terian Church sang. Dr. Peele delivered a
very appropriate and helpful sermon on the
text, "^/ifhat is man that thou art mindful of
him." At 8:00 P.M. Reverend R. S. Truesdalc,
pastor of Har/thorne Lane Methodist Church
preached on the theme, "Living for Future
Generations . "
Among the most lovable members of
Hickory Grove was "Aunt Mary", i7ife of
Harvey S. Taylor. Her funeral v;as the last
one held in the basement of the church,
that day being July 19, 19 3^, just a fevi
days before the main auditorium vjas occupied.
She was the oldest member of the congregation
at the time of her death. Reverend Elzie
Myers, her pastor, assisted by Reverend Mr.
Stroupe of Back Creek Presbyterian Church, and
Reverend \1» H, Vfillis of Belmont, was in charge
of the service. The first funeral held in the
completed church was for Mrs. Cora Baker,, wife
of Banks T. Baker, August 5, 1930.
Trustees & Building Com mi ttee
The trustees at the time of the building
of the present church v/e re J. D. Pence, E. N-.
King, C. W. Teeter, J. L. Carter, and J. G.
Jordan. The Building Committee was composed
of the following: D. H. Wilson, John C. Yfere,
J. Yfelter Dulin, W. S\7indell Hagler, Hazel
Teeter, W, T. Simpson, W. 0. M'ullis, J. B. King,
J. N. Cline, 7/. B. Berryhill, Odell Teeter,
J. 17. Biggers, M. 0, Dulin, (Recording Secretary),
and Graham C. Taylor (District Steward).
Paying; Debt of ^j^^ ,500.00
For four and one-half years follov,?ing
the completion of the main auditorium and
other TJork in 193*^ the church undenwent a
critical period. During these depression
days the chief problem before the people of
Hickory Grove was, not the building of a
church, but the paying for the one v/hich they
had already built. The burden grew heavier
as time went on. On November 7, 193^, Rev,
A. A. Kyles moved into the parsonage at
Hickory G-rove and assumed his duties as pastor.
He began xvorking on the debt problems at once
and on December 2, 193^. a plan for raising
the entire indebtedness was presented to the
congregation. The motto vms '' $5 ,000 -.00 in
Fifty Days . " Fifty days later, Jan. 20,
1935, "the campaign closed v/ith good pledges
totaling $5»500»00» This amount was needed
to pay off notes, secure insurance, pay a
small floating debt, etc. ^n Feb. 25, 1935,
the final pajmient was made and the church
stands today with no indebtedness on church,
parsonage, or property. The sacrificial
giving and the co-operation of pastor and
people, together v/ith donations of many
friends, made possible the completion of
the task. A donation of §500.00 from The
Duke Endowment and one for $50^»0*«^ from the
General Board of Church Extension of the
M. E. Church, South, meant much to Hickory
Grove. Each contribution, no matter how
small, is appreciated.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS
First Musical Instrument
The first musical instrument used "by
the church (second building) was an organ
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secured in 1891 • The original building on
the present site v;as in use. Mrs, Ifeggie
Taylor, wife of Zachary Taylor, was organist.
Marriages
Miss Minnie Christenbury and Mr. P. F.
Davis v/ere united in nmrriage Oct. l6 , 18^
by Rev. C G. Little in the first church on
the present site. They are said to be the
only couple married in this church.
In the third church (1898-192?) t\7o
couples v;ere married. Leslie Baker and
Marcus Mooney vjere married by Rev. J, H.
Bradley, while Rev. Ebenezer Myers offi-
ciated in the marriage of Annie Bell Jordan
and Lloyd H. McCall. The first marriage
ceremony in the present church united
Eloise Stilwell and Homer Lee Johnston Aug.
8, 1931.
First Missionary Society
Miss Sallie T/hisnant of Charlotte, N.C.
(now Mrs. W. IT. Hagood) relates the follcw-
ing story of her visit to Hickory Grove in
1890. "It was during Camp Meeting time at
Hickory Grove. I started out there to or-
ganize a 7J"oman*s Missionary Society and was
riding in a buggy. Due to heavy rains, the
water v^as high when ?;e foarded Briar Creek
on the Lawyers' Road. Vfeter ran into the
buggy and my feet got wet. At the first
house v/here I sav/ smoke coming out the
chimney, I stopped to dry my feet; then I
v/ent on to Hickory Grove and organized the
first Woman's Missionary Society."
-lit-
The Parsonage
The first parsonage used by the pastors
of Hickory Grove Church v/as locate in Char-
lotte, N. C. Aftenvards the pastors lived in
Monroe, Matthews and Derita. In 1908 or 1909,
under the direction of J. I. Pence, A. G.
Hagler and other members of the Board of
Stevjards the present parsonage v/as built,
Mr. Alex Simpson vjas the contractor. Although
not a modern building, the parsonage at present
is in good condition. It has just been painted
outside and inside, many repairs have recently
been made, and some necessary furnishings se-
cured. At some near future date the people of
Hickory G-rove expect to erect a beautiful stone
parsonage in keeping ^vith the church in the
grove nearby.
The Cemetery
The Hickory Grove Cemetery is located
just across the high:;ay in front of the church
and is \7ell kept. A stone fence, separating
it from the highvvay, is being constructed at
the present time. The first person buried in
it Y/as Carrie Jordan, young daughter of Jas .
Jordan, in I87I. Soon afteryjards her great-
grandfather, Isaac Jordan, was buried there.
Ministers from Hickory Grove
Prominent among the achievements of
Hickory Grove Church and its people, particu-
larly through the efforts of her pastors, are
the young irien and "nomen v;ho have gone out to
preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in
home and foreign fields. The nair.es of the
ministers are as follows: Rev. Yf. S. Cherry -
I890, Rev. R. A. Swaringen , Rev. Martin W,
Heckard -I917, Grady N. Dulin - 192^;, Rev.
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Carl H. King - 1932, and Rev. Ralph H. Taylor -
193^. In addition, the church has had a part
in the training of two great teachers and loyal
disciples v;ho are now working in foreign fields
Miss Mabel Cherry in Korea and Miss Mary Myers
(now Mrs. ) in Africa.
Hickory Grove Today
Being one of the most beautiful, (if not
the most beautiful) rural churches in the ItYes-
tern North Carolina Conference, Hickory Grove
Church stands today a model of excellence,
simple in design, beautiful in material and
architecture, a monument to Christianity. The
magnificent building is a memorial to all those
v/ho have assisted the many pastors in their
labor of ad'^ancing faith in God, hope in im-
mortality, and love tor/ard all mankind. Her
people believe that Christian character and
good citizenship are the finest of human
achievements .
The present church roll is something to
be proud of. Their recent achievement in
paying off the debt is to be commended. Among
the m.embership tv.'o couples have celebrated
their Golden 1/Tedding Anniversary - Mr. and Mrs.
J. D. Pence and Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Berryhill.
Miss Martha Anne Elizabeth (known as
Aunt Matt) Baker, born April li|, I8I4S , is the
oldest member of the church. She has been a
member since Civil Vfar days and has v;orshiped'
in all four of the churches. Aunt Matt joined
the first church on the present site when Rev.
John Butt Y7as pastor.
-16-
J. D. Pence is the oldest man whose name
is on the church roll, age 77* The younger
members are interested and v;illing vjorkers.
The present Church School is alive from the
Older Men^s Bible Class, taught by the oldest
man in the church, to the large and well-
organized Nursery Department with Mrs. J. L.
Carter as Superintendent.
The youngest person connected v/ith the
church in any ivay is Verner N. Jordan, Jr.,
v;ho became a member of the Cradle Roll when
tvio days old. He is nov; three and one-half
months old.
Hickory Q-rove Tomorrov;
With such a past and present, what will
Hickory Grove of tomorrow be? Surely, we can
look into the years and see the same beauti-
ful stone church, enriched by full and fruit-
ful years, still reaching out strong arms
enfolding promising youth of today, then in
ripe old age, yet training the youth of
tomorrow to be citizens of the Kingdom of
God. Hickory Grove Church v;ill continue to
grov/, for her people believe in God, in
Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. They
are faithful worshipers, courageous souls,
descendants of early pioneers who loved their
neighbors, feared the Lord and kept His
Commandments. Yes, the unfailing hand of
Hickory Grove Church will continue to feed
the sheep and to lead the lambs. May the
Lord be our Shepherd throughout the coming
years .
Finis
-17-
ROLL OF BISHOPS
J. C. Keener 1890
C. B. Galloway 1691
E. R. Hendrix 1892
Vf. W. Duncan 1893
A. W. Wilson 1894
W. W. Duncan 1895
C. B. aalloway 1896
J. S. Key 1897
0. P. Fitzgerald 1898
J. S. Key 1899
H. C. Morrison 1900
R. K. Hargrove 1901
A. C. Smith 1902
A. C. Smith I9O3
W. W. Duncan 190i].
A. ViT. Wilson I905
A. TI, Wilson I906
H. C. Morrison 190?
James Atkins I9O8
James Atkins I909
E. R. Hendrix I9IO
E. E. Hoss 1911
Collins Denny .1912
J. H. McCoy 1913
R. a. T/aterhouse .I9li;
W. R. Lambuth I915
John C. Kilgo 1916
Jam.es Atkins 1917
U. V. Yf. Darlington 1918-21
Collins Denny 1922-25
Edwin D. Mouzon I926-33
Paul B. Kern 193U-
-18-
ROLL OF PRESIDING ELDERS
G. M. Guthrie ?
J. P. Carraway 1887-90
A. P. Tyer 1891-93
J. R. Brooks I89J4-97
S . B . Turrent ine - 1898-1900
J. C. Rowe 1901-1903
J. E. Thompson 19Oi4-1907
Frank Siler I9O8
H. K. Boyer 1909-10
J. R. Scrosgs 1911-13
Plato T. Durham I9lit
J. C. Rowe 1915-16
T. F. Marr 191?
H. K. Boyer 1918-21
J. B. Craven 1922-J?5
D. M, Litaker 1926-29
E. K. McLarty 1930- 5I
J . W. Moo re 1932-33
J. B. Craven ....19^-^
-19-
PASTORS
John Abernethy
T. L, Triplett
Phillip Greening ___^
Z. Rush
Miles Foy
J. S. Nelson .<
W. ■!. Pharr
i?arrison
M. H. Hoyle 1877-80
T. H. Edwards 1881
S . M. Davis 1882-85
M. H. Hoyle 1886
J. A. Lee 1887-89
J . T . Bagvjell ( 1^ years ) 1690-91
R. M. Taylor ( l/2 year) 1891
C. C. Brothers 1892
R. T. N. Stevenson 1993-9i|-
C. G. Little 1895
Z . Parish 1896
T. P. Bonner 1897
R. S. Howie 1898-99
L. M. Brower 1900
W. L. Nicholason I9OI-I90I1
J. IT. Bradley I905-I9O8
Seymore Taylor 1909-11
P. L. Terrell 1912-1
C. E. Rozzelle I9I
M. T. Steele 1915-16
R. H. Kennington 1917-20
Ebene-.or My-rs . .1921-23
'.Y. M. Robbins 1924
A. R. Bell 1925
E. N. Crowder 1926
J. P. Morris 1927-29
Elzie Myers I93O-32
E. D. Ballard..,. .1933-3i|
A. A. Kyles ,.., 1935"
-20-
OFFICERS OF CBURCK
Paul B. Kern Bishop
J. B. Craven Presiding Elder
A. A. Kyles Pastor
TRUSTEES
J. L. Carter J. Vj". Drum
J . G . Jo rdan E . N . King
J. D. Pence
STgJARDS
M. 0. Dulin • Chainnan
Lila Mae Dulin Recording Stev/ard
H. M. Dulin Secretary
Odell Teeter Treasurer
J. 17. Biggers T. C. Cuthbertson
C. H. Furr Vf. C. Gray
J. B. King D. M. King
TT. 0. Mull is . J. T. Plott
M. H. Stilv;ell Hazel Teeter
D. H. Wilson G. C. Taylor
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTEM)ENTS
'Yilliam Taylor
Jeff Bost
J. D. Pence
Walter Pence
J . W. Drum I9IO
A-. G. Haglcrc' 1921
Leroy Dulin 1922-25
W. D. May 1926-27
J. B. King 1928-29
J. \i, Biggers 1930-35
-21-
CHURCH SCHOOL OFFICERS & TSACHERS
GENERAL OFFICERS
J. \1. Biggers • General Supt .
Mrs. J. L. Carter Supt. Nursery Dept.
Lila lAae Dulin Supt. Children's Division
D. H. TJ'ilson ...Supt. Young People's DIy.
H. L. Johnston Supt. Adult Division
H. M. Dulin. .Secretary
"vTillie Bell Bern/hill Asst. Secretary
D. M. King Treasurer
Mrs. H. L. Johnston..... Pianist
L!ary Hagler Asst. Pianist
C. H. Furr .Choir Director
MJRSERY DEPARTMENT
VJ"illie Hagler
Mrs . Archie Johnston
Eunice Carter
BEGINNER DEPARTMENT
Mrs. T;. 0. Mullis
Sara Taylor
PRIl'lARY DEPARTl'IENT
Leslie Wilson
Mattie Hagler
JUNIOR DEPARTIffiNT
Mrs. W. S. Hagler
Yf. H. Stil\7ell
-22-
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTIffiNT
Mary Hagler
B. T. Baker
SENIOR DEPARTliffiNT
Ruth Rodgers
A. M. Thompson
YOUNG PEOPLE
Louise Hoover
D. C. Berryhill
ADULTS
Mrs. A. F. Campbell
Mrs. ',1, B. Berryhill
Mrs. J. Vr. Jordan
Tf. C. Gray
J. D. Pence
Church School Members ^0
Church members o f\}\f i
Church valued ^35,000
Insurance carried ...., ^15,000
-2>
Date Due
■
1
Form SiiS — SSt
»I— 9-34— C. F. Cc
).
Photomount
Pamphlet
Binder
ClayJord Bros., Inc.
Makers
Syracuse, N. Y
P^T, JAN 21, 1908
28?. 6 K99S
P6404?
Sct.ool oi rx.-g-^oa
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